The former fiancee of NBA star Jason Collins said today she had no idea that he was gay, despite dating him for eight years.

Carolyn Moos, 34, broke up with Collins - who became the first openly gay, active player when he came out yesterday - in 2009 when he cancelled their wedding, leaving her heartbroken and confused.

The 6'5" former WNBA player said she was shocked when Collins delivered the news to her last weekend and confessed that was the real reason he ended their relationship.

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Truth comes out: Last weekend Collins finally revealed the real reason he called off the wedding and ended their relationship in 2009

Carolyn told TMZ: 'I care about [Jason] tremendously and only want the best for
him. I want Jason to be happy for a lifetime and stay true to who he
really is, inside and out.'

Bikini body: The six-foot-five-inch personal trainer, originally from Minneapolis, said she found out her ex-fiance was gay the same day his essay in Sports Illustrated hit newsstands

She told TMZ: 'It's very emotional for me as a woman to
have invested eight years in my dream to have a husband, soul mate, and
best friend in him. So this is all hard to understand.

'I care about [Jason] tremendously and only want the best for
him. I want Jason to be happy for a lifetime and stay true to who he
really is, inside and out.'

Carolyn Moos is from Minnesota but currently lives in LA. She is an American model, personal trainer, nutrition consultant and a former collegiate and professional basketball player.

The 34-year-old Stanford graduate runs FITT4Life which promotes nutrition personal training, yoga and overall wellness. She is also a certified personal trainer and is a clothes ambassador for Method Boutique.

Collins said today that he has always known he was gay but fought it for years.

In an interview with ABC, he said: 'I always knew I was gay, its like you
know that the sky is blue but you keep telling yourself it is red.

'I
fought it for a long time but when you finally get to the point of
acceptance there is nothing more beautiful. It feels incredible.'

Star in her own right: Ms Moos is a Stanford graduate who played several seasons with the WNBA; she is now a personal trainer and clothes ambassador

She said: 'It's very emotional for me as a woman to
have invested eight years in my dream to have a husband, soul mate, and
best friend in him. So this is all hard to understand'

Moving on: Carolyn is 6'5" and a former WNBA player. She currently works in the fitness and nutrition industry

Asked by George Stephanopoulos on ABC what message he wants to give young, gay players, he said: 'It doesn’t matter that you’re gay. The key thing is that it’s about basketball.

'It’s about working hard. It’s about sacrificing for your team, it’s all about dedication and that’s what you should focus on.'

Praise
poured in from all over the country yesterday after the 34-year-old
opened up in an essay for Sports Illustrated - he even got a phone call
from President Obama, who was 'incredibly supportive'.

'I
just try to live an honest, genuine life and next thing you know you
have the president calling you,' he said. 'He was incredibly supportive
and was proud of me and said that this not only affected my life but
others going forward.'

On air: Jason Collins said in his first interview since coming out, on ABC, that he has always known he was gay but fought it for years

He told George Stephanopoulos: 'It's about working hard. It's about sacrificing for your team, it's all about dedication and that's what you should focus on'

He added: 'I think the country is ready to support
an openly gay basketball player. I'm trying to rewrite the gay
stereotype and let everyone know that you can't put people in a box.'

Team owners, managers and sports writers have long questioned how athletes and fans would react to a teammate announcing publicly that he is homosexual.

However the response to Collins' announcement on Monday was overwhelmingly positive from his former teammates and leading figures in basketball and other major sports.

The former Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics star revealed that tennis player Martina Navratilova has always been his role model and he hopes that he can be the same to others.

He revealed he first came out to his aunt - who said she always knew - even though his twin brother did not even realize it. 'I'm really good at playing it straight', he joked.

Asked what he wants from his teammates he said: 'I want support, because that's what I would give to them. The team is like a family and the NBA is like a brotherhood. We support each other on the team.

Trail blazer: Mr Collins said that he did not want to be the first, but since no one else had done so, he felt it was important to have a current basketball player come out as gay

On the court: Jason Collins (center) came out as gay in a magazine interview this week, making him the first openly homosexual athlete in the NBA

Only one prominent critic has emerged,
an ESPN sports writer who says Collins announcing his homosexuality
amounts to 'open rebellion against God and Jesus Christ.'

Collins told ABC News that being the first athlete in a major team sport to come out is 'mind-boggling.'

'You're sort of waiting around for somebody else to … raise their hand,' he said. 'I'm ready to raise my hand but, you know, you still look around like, "OK, come on, guys." It's time for someone else in the room to raise their hand and say, "You know what? Yeah, so big deal. I can still play basketball. I can still help the team win, and that's what's most important,"' he told George Stephanopoulos.

White House spokesman Jay Carney released a statement from President Barack Obama that praised Collins.

'We view that as another example of the progress that has been made and the evolution that has been taking place in this country and commend him for his courage and support him.'

First Lady Michelle Obama also tweeted her support.

NBA Commissioner David Stern threw his support behind Collins, saying: 'Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue.'

Even former President Bill Clinton weighed in, saying that he met Collins when he and Chelsea Clinton attended Standford together. He tweeted: 'Proud to call Jason Collins a friend.'

Friends in high places: Many public figures, including the First Lady and former NBA star John Amaechi - who came out as gay after he left the league - offered their support

Symbolic: Collins said the reason he chose the number 98 was to honor Matthew Shepard, the gay teen who was killed in a hate crime in 1998

Despite the support, he had one notable detractor - ESPN reporter Chris Broussard, who has long taken a stand as a conservative Christian who opposes any sex outside of marriage.

'If you're openly living in unrepentant sin, whatever it may be, not just homosexuality, adultery, fornication, premarital sex between heterosexuals, whatever it may be, I believe that's walking in open rebellion to God and to Jesus Christ,' he told ESPN.

Later ESPN released a statement distancing itself from Broussard's comments.

'We regret that a respectful
discussion of personal viewpoints became a distraction from today's
news. ESPN is fully committed to diversity and welcomes Jason Collins'
announcement,' the network said.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace posted a tweet that he later removed that read: 'All these beautiful women in the world and guys wanna mess with other guys.'

He later posted a message: 'I'm not bashing anybody.'

The NFL said it was reviewing the comment.

Broussard said athletes and sports fans who oppose homosexuality shouldn't be branded bigots for their beliefs.

That point drew support from former NBA great Charles Barkley, though Barkley told CNN he personally supports Collins announcement.

'We've all played with gay guys,' Barkley said, noting that numerous players stayed in the closet during their careers.

The 34-year-old Washington Wizards player, who will be who will be a free agent in July, wrote come out in a in first person essay, telling his own thoughts and explaining his decision to be the first professional athlete to announce he is gay still playing in a major sports league.

Critic: ESPN reporter Chris Broussard, who describes himself as a conservative Christian, said Collins' announcement meant he was living in sin

Warm reception: Stars of the NBA, past and present, came out in support of Collins, as well

'I didn't set out to be the first openly
gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm
happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn't the kid in the
classroom raising his hand and saying, "I'm different." If I had my way,
someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm
raising my hand,' he wrote.

Collins explains that his homosexuality is something he has known since he was a teenager, but he never felt comfortable revealing it to friends or teammates until just recently.

One of his biggest motivations has apparently been timing.

World events- like the end of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and the Supreme Court's debate over same sex marriage - have helped push him to the point where he no longer wanted to hide his personal life from those around him.

More recently, he said that the bombings at the Boston Marathon showed him that there is no way to predict what happens in the future, and there is no sense in waiting.

'I've reached that enviable state in life in which I can do pretty much what I want. And what I want is to continue to play basketball. I still love the game, and I still have something to offer. My coaches and teammates recognize that. At the same time, I want to be genuine and authentic and truthful,' he wrote.

He said that the people around him have been a source of support as he expands the once-tight-knit circle of those who knew about his homosexuality.

Family: Both Jason and his twin brother Jarron are NBA players

He said his gay uncle was a source of
support early on, as was his aunt who said that she knew he was gay for
years before he ever actually told her.

One
person who did not have a clue was his twin brother Jarron. He said
that though Jarron, who also plays in the NBA but across the country for
the Portland TrailBlazers, was shocked to hear that Jason was gay when
he told him at breakfast one morning, but it was just a matter of time.

'He was downright astounded. He never
suspected. So much for twin telepathy. But by dinner that night, he was
full of brotherly love. For the first time in our lives, he wanted to
step in and protect me,' Jason wrote in Sports Illustrated.

Another
source of support for Collins has been his old college roommate, Joe
Kennedy, the latest scion of the political dynasty to be elected to
serve as a Congressman for Massachusetts.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who was the first major star to come out as gay, applauded Collins' announcement

Support off the court: Chelsea Clinton was one of the first public figures to show their pride in Collins' decision to come out as gay

Making plans: Collins' college roommate was the newly-elected Massachusetts Congressman Joe Kennedy. Collins said he was jealous when he saw that Kennedy marched in the Boston gay pride parade and now they plan to walk side-by-side in this year's parade

Buddies: Collins credited Kennedy, his college roommate, as being one of his most supportive friends

Collins said that he was jealous
of Kennedy, who he had lived with when the two were studying at Stanford
University, because Kennedy was able to march in solidarity with his
constituents at the Boston Gay Pride Parade last year.

SENDING THEIR SUPPORT

NBA Commissioner David Stern: 'As Adam Silver and I said to Jason, we have known the Collins family since Jason and Jarron joined the NBA in 2001 and they have been exemplary members of the NBA family. Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue.'

Steve Nash: The time has come. Maximum respect. RT @Baron_Davis: I am so proud of my bro @jasoncollins34 for being real. ... tmi.me/TGSBh

Jason Kidd: Jason's sexuality doesn't change the fact that he is a great friend and was a great teammate.

Dwayne Wade: Jason Collins showed a lot of courage today and I respect him for taking a stand and choosing to live in his truth. #nbafamily

Magic Johnson: Jason Collins has announced that he is gay. I know Jason and his family well and I support him 100%.

Martina Navratilova: Well done Jason Collins- you are a brave man. And a big man at that:) 1981 was the year for me- 2013 is the year for you:)

Former President Bill Clinton: I
have known Jason Collins since he was Chelsea's classmate and friend at
Stanford. Jason's announcement today is an important moment for
professional sports and in the history of the LGBT community. I hope that everyone, particularly
Jason's colleagues in the NBA, the media and his many fans extend to him
their support and the respect he has earned.

Chelsea Clinton:'Very proud of my friend Jason Collins for having the strength & courage to be the first openly gay player in the NBA.'

New York City Council Speaker and mayoral candidate Christine Quinn: What Jason did today is literally going to save lives, because the greatest athletes – who are children’s heroes more than athletes? – are also LGBT and it’s okay.

After telling Kennedy both that he was gay and that he was planning on coming out in a very public way, Kennedy reportedly told him that they would be marching in the 2013 parade together.

Chelsea Clinton was one of the first to publicize the Sports Illustrated article, writing to her more than 150,000 followers that she was: 'Very proud of my friend Jason Collins for having the strength & courage to be the first openly gay player in the NBA.'

The next reaction that many will be looking for is from those who Collins plays against on the court.

One of the biggest names to quickly stand by Collins was the Lakers all star Kobe Bryant, who said that he was 'proud' of his friend. Bryant's note comes one year after he was fined for using a homophobic slur on the court at a game.

Collins' team were also prompt in releasing
a statement, with the president of the Washington Wizards Ernie
Grunfeld signing a memo on behalf of the team.

'We are extremely proud of Jason and support his decision to live his life proudly and openly,' the statement read.

'He has been a leader on and off the
court and an outstanding teammate throughout his NBA career. Those
qualities will continue to serve him both as a player and as a positive
role model for others of all sexual orientation.'

The
NBA also put out a statement, calling Jason and his brother Jarron
members of the NBA family. Other athletes like Steve Nash, and
retired tennis star Martina Navratilova publicly offered their support.

Navratilova, who came out as a lesbian in
1981, immediately after she wasted granted United State citizenship after immigrating from then-Czechoslovakia.

Appearing Monday on CNN's Piers Morgan Tonight, she congratulated Collins on his courage. She said his announcement is at once easier and more difficult than when she came out more than three decades ago.

Homosexuality was not nearly as wide-accepted then as it is now, she said, and she was shunned by sponsors.

Still, as a tennis player, she only played for herself and did not have teammates and a team to consider.

'It's so different from team sports. Athletes, if they come out and the coach is homophobic, or the front office or what have you, they may not get to play,' she said.

Cherry blossoms: Collins, who plays for the Washington Wizards, said that it was unnerving to have the Supreme Court arguing over same-sex marriage just blocks away from his D.C. apartment

Follow up: George Stephanopoulos of Good Morning America announced that he had secured the first interview with Collins in the wake of his announcement

Collins, 34, said that in the weeks leading up to his announcement, there was speculation that a current player in the National Football League would be coming out as well, prompting a number of other straight players to pre-emptively voice their support for a gay would-be teammate.

Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe and
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo have both lawyered-up
since they fear that their outspoken support of same-sex marriage may
have financial and contractual repercussions.

The one: Collins made history by coming out in this week's Sports Illustrated

‘It’s a shame that in a league with players given multiple second chances after arrests, including felony arrests, that speaking out on human rights has a chance of getting you cut,’ Kluwe told NBC’s Pro Football Talk via text message.

In the article, Collins specifically name checks Kluwe and Ayanebadejo, though they were not the only two who have stepped out in solidarity with their closeted teammates.

New York Giants star Justin Tuck said: 'If the Giants bring in a gay player and he's helping me win football games... I could give a damn.'

Collins said that prior to his big reveal, and before he told his twin brother and fellow NBA player, no one within the league knew he was gay.

He expects nothing will change, at least in terms of his behavior with his teammates, with whom he feels are entitled to privacy (saying 'what happens in the locker room, stays in the locker room'). That said, he does expect a certain amount of scrutiny now that his personal life is on display.

'Am I so physical to prove that being gay doesn't make you soft? Who knows? That's something for a psychologist to unravel. My motivations, like my contributions, don't show up in box scores, and frankly I don't care about stats. Winning is what counts,' he said in the article.

Collins alluded to the big announcement just hours before the story went live on the Sports Illustrated website, writing on Twitter that he: 'Played golf for the 1st time since Oct on Sun. I broke 100 and had a birdie. Great way to relax before the start of a big week.'